Sports clubs reveal plan to turn Grange Road West Sports Centre into gymnastics academy

Aug 19 2009 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

WIRRAL sports clubs have launched an ambitious bid to save Grange Road West Sports Centre and turn it into an academy for gymnastics.

The building is being transferred into community ownership as part of Wirral Council’s Strategic Asset Review (SAR), and all expressions of interest have to be sent in by next Wednesday (August 26).

Birkenhead Trampoline Club, Birkenhead Gymnastics Club and West Kirby Gymnastics club are merging under the name Birkenhead Community Development Committee (BCDC).

Their plan is to convert the building into Birkenhead Gymnastics Academy and offer other associated sports and activities.

Athletes currently have to travel to Liverpool or Warrington to use specialist training facilities.

Cathy Page, founder member of Birkenhead Trampoline Club said: “BCDC‘s proposed change in use at Grange Road West could provide the area with recreational benefits for all sections of our multi-cultural community.Š

“A well-run centre, such as the one we are planning, would offer more of our local people, from toddlers through to senior citizens, a place to participate in sports and socialise.”

Grange Road West was built around 1890 as a Territorial Army Drill Hall with attached living accommodation. It became a sports centre in 1969.